Calls for San Francisco Mayor to Fire Transportation Director Jeffrey Tumlin

Nearly 400 people are calling for the firing of San Francisco’s transportation director, Jeffrey Tumlin, as tensions rise over controversial bike lanes in the city. The petition, started by merchants along Valencia Street, demands Tumlin’s resignation due to the negative impact of a center bike lane on their businesses. The removal of parking spots to accommodate the bike lane has made it difficult for customers to access the area, leading to a significant loss in revenue for local merchants.

Sahar Milami, Owner of Yasmin SF and spokesperson for the Valencia Association of Merchants, Artists, Neighbors, and Organizations (VAMANOS), expressed frustration with Tumlin’s handling of transportation projects in the city. The petition also highlights other areas, such as Hayes Valley, that have been affected by Tumlin’s initiatives, further fueling calls for his removal.

Despite the backlash, SFMTA defended Tumlin’s actions, stating that pedestrian and bicyclist safety can coexist with thriving commercial corridors. However, residents and business owners remain adamant that Tumlin’s leadership has been detrimental to the city’s economic well-being.

This controversy is not the first time Tumlin has faced criticism for his transportation strategies. In the past, he was removed as a transportation consultant for the city of Santa Monica after making controversial comments online. Despite these past issues, Mayor London Breed appointed Tumlin as SFMTA’s director in 2019, a decision that is now being questioned by many in the community.

As the debate over Tumlin’s future continues, merchants and residents are calling for a change in leadership to address the growing concerns over transportation projects in San Francisco. The Mayor’s office has emphasized the importance of collaboration and finding solutions that benefit all stakeholders in the city’s transportation system.